Ask Guiding Eyes graduates about their time on campus, and there’s one name that comes up again and again: Chef Rob.
Chef Rob and the kitchen staff prepare three meals a day for students during their time on campus, but what happens at Rosie’s Café goes well beyond what’s on the menu. Before a new class even arrives, the team learns about students’ dietary needs, allergies and preferences so they’re ready to welcome them from day one.
Once training begins, Rosie’s Café becomes an important part of the daily routine. Training with a new guide dog means full days of learning and working together, and mealtimes give students a chance to slow down, recharge and spend time with their classmates. Chef Rob is right there with them, getting to know each class, swapping stories and sharing plenty of laughs along the way.
And judging by what graduates have to say, Chef Rob, the kitchen staff and the meals they share leave quite an impression.
🍓 “Chef Rob even reached out the week before I arrived, asking if I had any special menu requests. Indeed, Pop-Tarts were waiting for me when I arrived!” — Osoluchukwu and guide dog Cliff
🥦 “I eat plant-based, and I was blown away by Chef Rob and the cooking staff’s willingness to cook me vegan food, and how great the food was.” — Michael and guide dog Wasabi
🥗 “The food was great, and so was Chef Rob and the kitchen staff. They brought my salad every night with my favorite dressing. I don’t drink coffee, so they always brought me hot chocolate.” — Maryann and guide dog Dusty
🍲 “Chef Rob went out of his way to meet my dietary needs …He made me sweet potato fries…and he even picked up the protein drinks I rely on back in Texas.” — Brittany and guide dog Pearse
🥞 “Chef Rob and his staff were outstanding, accommodating the food preferences and tastes of my classmates. Rob was even willing to prepare gluten-free food when requested. By the way, his cinnamon rolls were amazing.” — Annee and guide dog Max
🍰 “Chef Rob made a fabulous cheesecake, and his homemade blueberry muffins were the world’s best.” — Tisha and guide dog Satya
🍔 “The food was to die for. It was 5 star. I’d like to go back for remedial training just for the food!” — Linda and guide dog Watkins
🍧 “Enough can’t be said about Chef Rob. The food was outstanding.” — Mark and guide dog Denzel
It’s those everyday moments that make Rosie’s Café what it is – a place for good food, even better company and friendships that continue long after students leave campus.
With reviews like those, we thought it was only fair to share a few favorites. We asked Chef Rob to share three of his most-requested recipes from Rosie’s Café for you to try at home.
Download the recipes below and print them to try in your own kitchen!
“I love hearing from our students after they graduate, especially when they send me pictures of the recipes they’ve made at home. Knowing a little piece of Rosie’s Café stays with them means a lot to me.” — Chef Rob
